Thermally Broken Aluminum Windows

Celeste·Products·Windows

Aluminum Window Systems

Thermally Broken Aluminum Windows

Modern thermal performance in the material that defines mid-century and contemporary California architecture.

Category

Windows

Product Family

Aluminum Window Systems

Related Service

Windows →

Overview

The product.

Thermally broken aluminum windows are the specification of choice for mid-century modern, contemporary, and architecturally significant homes where the slim sightlines and material character of aluminum are part of the design. A thermal break — a non-conductive material inserted between the interior and exterior aluminum sections — dramatically reduces the conductive heat transfer that made original aluminum windows thermally poor. Combined with low-E dual-pane glazing, modern thermally broken aluminum windows meet or exceed California Title 24 requirements.

Manufacturer

To be specified — Celeste works with Milgard, Western Window Systems, and other manufacturers appropriate to the project

A note on specification

Thermally broken aluminum is a premium product category with significant variation in quality, thermal performance, and glazing options. Celeste specifies products based on the home's architectural character, orientation, climate zone, and the homeowner's performance priorities.

Specification Criteria

What we look for.

Thermal break quality

The width and material of the thermal break determines the U-factor of the frame. We look for products with documented NFRC-rated frame U-factors, not just glazing U-factors.

Glazing options

Low-E coatings vary significantly in their solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmission (VT). We specify glazing by orientation — lower SHGC on south and west, higher VT on north and east.

Sightline dimensions

For architecturally significant homes, the sightline dimensions of the replacement window must be compatible with the original design intent. We measure and specify accordingly.

NFRC certification

We specify only NFRC-certified products so that the thermal performance values on the label are independently verified.

Typical Applications

Where we use it.

Full window replacement on mid-century modern and contemporary homes

New construction where architectural character calls for aluminum

Large-format and custom window openings

Certifications & Standards

What we require.

NFRC Certified

National Fenestration Rating Council

Required on all Celeste specifications

ENERGY STAR

EPA — Southern California climate zone

Available on qualifying products

Title 24 Compliant

California Energy Commission

Required on all replacement window projects

Celeste does not publish manufacturer-specific product specifications, pricing, or warranty terms on this page. All specifications are determined during the assessment and proposal process.

Want to know what we'd specify for your home?

Tell us about your home.